Have an idea to improve your community or beyond? There’s still time to register for the William G. Davis Innovation Fund, which is accepting applications until May 31.

Launched by Colleges Ontario help mark the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017, the William G. Davis Innovation Fund contest encourages students and alumni from colleges across Ontario to pitch creative projects and initiatives that will compete for cash prizes Applications can be made in the categories of Entrepreneurialism, Health and Welfare, Arts and Culture or Community Benefit. Ideas must be achievable, sustainable, measurable, original, and linked to your college experience.

Entrants can be a graduate or current full-time student from one of Ontario’s 24 colleges with an idea that could improve Ontario and beyond. The fund aims to support innovative thinking and initiatives from aspiring visionaries, artists, humanitarians or entrepreneurs who want to leverage their college education to start something amazing.

The first-place winner will receive $15,000 to help fund the project and the second-place entry will receive $5,000.
Online registration began on March 1 and will continue until May 31. Preliminary online voting will take place between June 1 and July 31. Finalists will be announced on August 15. Final online voting will be held between August 15 and November 5 and the winners will be announced on November 10.

“Niagara College students and alumni consistently demonstrate original thinking and entrepreneurship,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “I encourage our students and alumni to submit their creative ideas and make a pitch in this unique contest.”

The fund has been named after former premier William G. Davis, who served as Ontario’s education minister from 1962 to 1971 and brought in the legislation that established the college system. The fund has been named in his honour as a tribute to the bold and creative thinking that revolutionized post-secondary education in Ontario.

“When we launched the Ontario college system 50 years ago, I had hoped that we would create a meaningful and rewarding system that prepares students for a broad range of careers,” said the Honourable William G. Davis. “That hope was not only realized but surpassed. Today’s colleges are preparing students for many of today’s most challenging careers.

“This new fund will promote some of the truly innovative ideas being developed at colleges throughout the province,” he said. “It is truly an honour to have it established in my name.”
Full details about the fund, including full contest rules and regulations, visit amazing50.ca/innovationfund